On the first day of the long 4th of July Holiday weekend, a day no doubt chosen to minimize press scrutiny, Sarah Palin announced that she would serve out her elected term of office, but would instead turn the reins over to the state's Lieutenant Governor, Sean Parnell. She stated in her resignation speech that one of the factors motivating her resignation was the high cost to both the state and to the Palin family of defending her against the 15 ethics complaints that had been brought against her in the two and and a half years since she had assumed office and added that her continued service would not be "best for Alaska." (I am only quoting part of her remarks, but lest I be accused of taking them out of context, please see http://www.talkingpointsmemo.com/livewire/2009/07/full-text-of-palins-resignation-speech.php for the complete and unedited transcript of her speech.)

Ms. Palin's resignation came one day after MSNBC journalist Keith Olbermann had published a series of emails in which then Govenor Palin had tried to get John McCain's campaign manager, Steve Schmidt, to lie on her behalf during the last campaign in order to cover up Todd Palin's long-time membership in the secessionist Alaska Independence Party:

"Please get in front of that ridiculous issue that's cropped up all day today - two reporters, a protester's sign, and many shout-outs all claiming Todd's involvement in an anti-American political party. It's bull, and I don't want to have to keep reacting to it...Pls have statement given on this so it's put to bed." [October 15th 2008, Gov Palin email to Steve Schmidt, Source CBS News]

"Ignore it. He was a member of the AIP? My understanding is yes. That is part of their platform. Do not engage the protesters. If a reporter asks say it is ridiculous. Todd loves America." [October 15th 2008, Steve Schmidt email to Gov. Palin, Source CBS News]

"That's not part of their platform and he was only a member BC Independent Alaskans too often check that Alaska Independent box on voter registrations thinking it just means non partisan. He caught his error when changing our address and checked the right box. I still want it fixed." [October 15th 2008, Gov. Palin email to Steve Schmidt, Source CBS News]

"Secession, it is their entire reason for existence. A cursory examination of the website shows that the party exists for the purpose of seceding from the Union. That is the stated goal on the front page of the website. Our records indicate that Todd was a member for seven years. If this is incorrect then we need to understand the discrepancy. The statement you are suggesting be released would be inaccurate. [sic] The inaccuracy [sic] would bring greater media attention to this matter and be a distraction. According to your staff there have been no media inquiries into this and you received no questions about it during your interviews. If you are asked about it you should smile and say many Alaskans who love their country join the party because it speaks [sic] to a tradition of political independence. Todd loves his country. We will not put out a statement and inflame this and create a situation where John has to address this." [October 15th 2008, Steve Schmidt email to Gov. Palin, Source CBS News]

Recently, she has even come under fire from Conservative columnists and bloggers. For example, this post comes from the Drudge Report site commenting onthe recent Vanity Fair article "It Came From Wasilla": "Despite her disastrous performance in the 2008 election, Sarah Palin is still the sexiest brand in Republican politics, with a lucrative book contract for her story. But what Alaska's charismatic governor wants the public to know about herself doesn't always jibe with reality."

Charles Krauthammer speaking on Fox News more or less completely dismissed Me. Palin her as a seriousl candidate for President:

"Now, as to Palin, I agree entirely with what Mara [Liasson] said -- she is, she has star power without any doubt, she has an extremely devoted following, but she is not a serious candidate for the presidency."

"She had to go home and study and spend a lot of the time on issues with which she was not adept last year. And she hasn't."

"She has to stop speaking in cliches and platitudes. It won't work. It could work for eight weeks if you're the No. 2 candidate, as she was last year. But even so, she got singed a lot in that campaign. You cannot sustain a campaign of platitudes and clichés over a year and a half if you’re running for the presidency."

Having stepped down as Govenor of Alaska, she has more or less lost her platform for any Presidential attempt. I am certain that she will still make an attempt at the office, further widening the divide between economic and political conservatives and social conservatives. And as a Liberal Democrat, I must acknowledge that I welcome the divisiveness that she will bring to the primaries.

How long, would you guess, before Sarah Palin is the host of a right-wing talk show?

True...politics is gotten corrupt here in the USA and very few stand by their word.

So, why perpetuate parties that are like that? I admit that a lot of my problem with the parties, setting aside the obvious cynicism, is that I believe that they're outdated. I would more likely stand with an independant individual who states his beliefs and serves the people, than some crony of a party.

I would more likely stand with an independant individual who states his beliefs and serves the people, than some crony of a party.

Here's a novel idea, try voting for the person and not the party. It's the ideas, and direction that are important no matter what letter is tacked on after their name. Case in point, how many people voted for Obama because he was a Democrat, only to find out now they voted for a socialist? You have to dig deeper than buzz words like "hope" and "change". Nobody wanted to look at his voting record, as short as it was or history for that matter. Yet would he have been elected without the "D" after his name...doubtful. That just means the voter must be sharper than ever.

Here's a novel idea, try voting for the person and not the party. It's the ideas, and direction that are important no matter what letter is tacked on after their name. Case in point, how many people voted for Obama because he was a Democrat, only to find out now they voted for a socialist? You have to dig deeper than buzz words like "hope" and "change". Nobody wanted to look at his voting record, as short as it was or history for that matter. Yet would he have been elected without the "D" after his name...doubtful. That just means the voter must be sharper than ever.

Didn't I just say that is what I do? No offense Nitro, but maybe I could send you a pair of glasses? Geesh.

You and I and others may say these things again and again, but the general populace just has not got the point yet. Why do you think the last few elections were the way they were? I'm grateful for being in this country, and love it...but seriously, by far, we're a nation of idiots. Sheep, like Pink Flyod's song. It's sad and pathetic.

Didn't I just say that is what I do? No offense Nitro, but maybe I could send you a pair of glasses? Geesh.

Hum, sounds different from what I said. I post your comment again.

I would more likely stand with an independent individual who states his beliefs and serves the people, than some crony of a party.

Nope, not even close. Since you can't differentiate, let me clarify... Parties don't matter. You stated you would go with an independent over some "crony" of a party, whatever you mean by that. It's not the parties it's the people or do you naively believe someone with an "I" after their name won't have an agenda?

Nope, not even close. Since you can't differentiate, let me clarify... Parties don't matter. You stated you would go with an independent over some "crony" of a party, whatever you mean by that. It's not the parties it's the people or do you naively believe someone with an "I" after their name won't have an agenda?

Mmm, well maybe I didnt say it explicitly but I've been implying it. And no, not always is every "I" agendaless. The people play into it too. Still, the parties do not help. You know what happened the last time someone tried to think differently in the...(what, democrats i think). If we're to change our country, and take it away from these...morons (politicians, not citizens... though...jk)...then we need to adjust our thinking and all.